Movement disorder recovery system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a movement recovery system, and a method of improving the functional motor recovery of a subject with a movement disorder. The present invention provides for a system and method, which in some embodiments can accurately quantify therapy parameters including compliance, task time spent, muscle coordination and functional improvement by utilizing kinetic, gyroscopic or other movement related information, and / or electromyography (EMG) data. In other embodiments, the system and method provide for functional electrical stimulation (FES) to help control the exercise therapy. The present invention further includes the methods of controlling or utilizing the movement related information, EMG and / or FES to detect, monitor, and control the exercise therapy.

Description

[0001]The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms provided for by the terms of grant numbers 2R44NS043816-02, 1R43NS046976-01A1, 1R43NS053032-01, 1R43NS055428-01 from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a movement recovery system, and a method of improving the functional motor recovery of a subject with a movement disorder.2. Technical Background[0003]Movement disorders resulting from brain or spinal cord injury, or abnormalities affect millions of individuals worldwide. These movement disorders can be the result of stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), Parkinson's disease and the like. Since these injuries or abnormalities can affect most parts of the brain or the spinal cord, the possible results are numerous. Effects can inclu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a system and method for helping people with movement disorders to recover their motor function. It uses sensors like gyroscopes and EMG to accurately measure the therapy parameters and detect, monitor, and control the exercise therapy. The system is small and untethered, making it easy to use at home, flexible for different schedule needs, and can also improve therapy for underprivileged or remote subjects. It can also provide a research tool to quantify the effects of new treatments. Additionally, the system allows physicians and therapists to remotely review and modify therapy.

Problems solved by technology

Since these injuries or abnormalities can affect most parts of the brain or the spinal cord, the possible results are numerous.

Effects can include motor paralysis, sensory disturbances, language difficulties, memory problems, and issues with swallowing or slurred speech.

These disorders can also result in loss of motor control of the individual's extremities, including paralysis or weakness, abnormal muscle tone, abnormal posture, abnormal movement synergies and loss of coordination.

Some individuals with CP have paralyzed muscles while others with early acquired motor deficits can have difficulty producing selective movements in an affected extremity due to a form of apraxia caused by defective motor planning in early infancy.

While repetitive motor activation of both simple and complex movements may improve the time course and amount of functional recovery and that functional electrical stimulation can improve functional outcomes, unfortunately these treatments can require long stays in a treatment center.

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